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Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust Recipe
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5 from 22 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf with a Cinnamon Sugar Crust is a moist and flavorful baked treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. Made with freshly reduced apple cider, grated red apples, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a crisp cinnamon sugar crust, this loaf combines the comforting flavors of apple cider donuts in an easy-to-slice loaf form. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, it delivers a tender crumb and a sweet, spiced finish that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Dried Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Fresh Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh apple cider
  • 1–2 large red apples (for grating, about 100 g grated apples)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider: Cook the 1 1/2 cups fresh apple cider in a pot over medium heat until it reduces by half to about 3/4 cup (175 g). Set this concentrated cider aside to cool, as it will add deep apple flavor to the loaf.
  2. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, fine sea salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground nutmeg. This spice blend forms the backbone of the loaf’s warm flavor profile.
  4. Grate the Apples: Using the large holes of a cheese grater, grate 1-2 large red apples into a bowl until you have about 1 cup (100 g) of grated apple. Squeeze out any excess juice from the grated apple (you can save or drink the juice if desired).
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients and Apples: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, eggs, the grated apples, and the reduced apple cider. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently whisk the dry flour and spice mixture into the wet apple mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
  7. Fill Pan and Add Topping: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to make the cinnamon sugar topping. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons over the top of the batter.
  8. Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick at an angle into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  9. Cool and Finish: Remove the loaf from the oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Lift the parchment paper to remove the loaf from the pan, then let it cool completely on the rack. Once cooled, brush the sides with the melted unsalted butter and cover with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet, crunchy crust.
  10. Serve: Slice the loaf into 8-10 pieces and enjoy warm or at room temperature with your favorite beverage.

Notes

  • Measure flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling off with a knife to avoid packing, which can cause the loaf to be dense.
  • Using fresh apple cider and reducing it intensifies the apple flavor.
  • Grated apples add moisture and texture but be sure to squeeze out excess juice.
  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • The cinnamon sugar topping adds a classic cider donut crust experience.
  • Store leftover loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider loaf, spiced apple loaf, cinnamon sugar crust, autumn baking, apple dessert, spiced donut loaf

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/spiced-apple-cider-donut-loaf-with-a-cinnamon-sugar-crust-recipe/